John Lennon’s Work of Faith
Removed from the pandemonium of Beatlemania, John Lennon knew the limits of his influence. All he could do was sing his truth and suggest people “imagine” a better world for themselves. Or not.
James A. Cosby
Jim is an attorney and an author and lives in Philadelphia. Jim's first book, DEVIL'S MUSIC, HOLY ROLLERS, AND HILLBILLIES: HOW AMERICA GAVE BIRTH TO ROCK AND ROLL (McFarland, 2016) (Kirkus: "illuminating and intriguing"; Minnesota Public Radio Rock Book Club Selection), is on sale everywhere, as well as featured at legendary Sun Studio (one of five such books), The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Delta Blues Museum.
Jim has also published legal scholarship on children's rights and the Constitution, as well as writing on music-related topics as a regular contributor to PopMatters since 2013, and elsewhere.
Jim's follow-up book (working title): A New History: Rock Music, Authority, and Western Culture, 1964-1980, will be published sometime around the end of the year with McFarland Books.
The Excellent ‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’ Captures Just About Everything
Little Richard brought a sheer exhilaration that was sexual, spiritual, and joyous and put it to music like no other. Lisa Cortés excellent documentary does the man justice.
People Like This? Metallica’s Crossover Contribution to Reaction Videos
Watching Chris&RheasiaTv’s reaction video to Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” illustrates the power of these crossover connections.
Bob Stanley’s Book on the Birth of Pop Music Spins One Helluva Playlist
Bob Stanley provides an utterly comprehensive and much-appreciated reference guide for the world of pre-rock pop music. We just need to carve out a million hours to stream the music.
Why Tribalism Matters in Reality Show ‘Big Brother’
Reality television show Big Brother has a traceable racial bias, but its contestants and fans often mistake their tribalism for racism.
What Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ Got Right and a Lot That It Didn’t
Baz Luhrmann used many entertaining razzle-dazzle techniques to capture Elvis Presley’s complex story on film. He even got some things right. But there’s a lot he didn’t.
Revisiting the Pain and Brilliance of Pearl Jam’s ‘Black’ Unplugged
In Pearl Jam’s moving performance of “Black” on MTV Unplugged, Eddie Vedder conveyed a personal struggle that that today interprets to issues beyond the self.
The 18 Best Songs of Wild Nothing
For nine years, Wild Nothing has rolled out one melodic gem after another, layering in guitars, synth lines, propulsive rhythms, and Jack Tatum's understated but sublime vocals to nearly perfect dream pop.
The 25 Best Songs of Teenage Fanclub
In our latest artist list, we pay tribute to power pop legends Teenage Fanclub. Here are their 25 best songs.
The 25 Best Songs of the Posies
Power pop legends the Posies are still rolling along after 30 years. Here are 25 of their sublime career highlights.
Andrew W.K. Breaks Out of His Shell
Andrew W.K. talks about making life choices, his "life-force", the yearning to connect with fellow humans, the church, and some of the early rock gods.
Metallica Is Back: They Never Were the Bad Guys
Metallica's already huge legacy is solidifying, and history is treating them quite well.
